Ian Roberts is an NRL legend who played for several teams in the National Rugby League (NRL) during the 1980s and 1990s. He is known for his aggressive style of play and was one of the most feared forwards in the game.

Ian played junior rugby league for the South Sydney Rabbitohs before making his first-grade debut for the team in 1986. Ian quickly established himself as a hard-working and hard-hitting forward, earning a reputation as one of the toughest players in the game.

In 1988, Ian was selected to play for the New South Wales State of Origin team, the highest level of rugby league played in Australia at the time. He played in all three games of the series, helping NSW to win the title for the first time in four years. Ian’s performances earned him a call-up to the Australian national team, known as the Kangaroos, for the 1988 World Cup.

Ian continued to play for South Sydney until 1990 when he signed with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. He played for the Sea Eagles for three seasons, helping them to win the premiership in 1996. In 1993, he was selected to play for the New South Wales team once again, and he helped them win the State of Origin series.

In 1995, Ian signed with the North Queensland Cowboys, where he played for two seasons before retiring from professional rugby league at the age of 31. During his career, Roberts played in 223 first-grade games and scored 22 tries.

Ian was known for his toughness on the field, but he was also known for his courage off the field. In 1995, he became the first high-profile Australian athlete to publicly come out as gay. Ian’s announcement was met with a mixed reaction from the rugby league community, but he received overwhelming support from his teammates and fans.

After retiring from rugby league, Ian became an actor and has appeared in several television shows and movies. He has also worked as a commentator for the NRL and has become an advocate for LGBT rights, speaking out about the discrimination faced by the LGBT community in Australia.

In 2013, Ian was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame, recognising his achievements and contributions to the sport. He is regarded as one of the greatest forwards to have played the game, and his aggressive style of play has been emulated by many players since his retirement.

Ian’s legacy extends beyond his rugby league career. His courage in coming out as gay at a time when homophobia was rampant in sport and society has helped to pave the way for other LGBT athletes to be open about their sexuality. Ian’s advocacy work has also helped to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by the LGBT community in Australia and has helped to promote equality and acceptance.

In conclusion, Ian Roberts is a rugby league legend who is known for his aggressive style of play and his courage in coming out as gay. He has made a significant contribution to the sport of rugby league and has helped to raise awareness about LGBT issues in Australia. Ian’s legacy extends beyond his rugby league career, and he continues to be an inspiration to many people both in and out of the sporting world.